Members of the New Jersey Wind Works Coalition were thrilled to see that the city council of Atlantic City gave its approval for Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind‘s offshore wind projects to move forward.
Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, said the group is pleased that Atlantic City’s elected officials gave final approval that will allow the Atlantic Shores offshore wind development to deliver clean renewable electricity.
“With this move, Atlantic City’s elected officials stood on the side of their most vulnerable residents, who will be able to breathe cleaner air as we transition away from dirty fossil fuels,” he said. “And they stood with the union workers who will be employed building this wind farm. We’re excited to get to work building a prosperous, energy independent, clean energy future for our children.”
Atlantic Shores still is waiting to see if its rebid of its offshore wind project will be approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities — a decision that likely will come this fall.
Atlantic Shores CEO Joris Veldhoven recently told ROI-NJ that the company is moving ahead in the process, anticipating a positive response.
Jennifer Coffey, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, said her group is in favor of approval — and was grateful that the Atlantic City council supported the plans.
“Atlantic City is helping to build a bright future for New Jersey based on a clean energy economy that provides local jobs, fights the climate crisis, reduces dependence on dirty fossil fuels and creates cleaner air for this and the next generation to breathe,” she said. “ANJEC applauds Atlantic City’s leadership.”
Atlantic Shores’ efforts are supported by fisherman, according to the New Jersey Wind Works Coalition.
“As recreational fishermen, we rely on key elements like fish habitat, cleaner waters and stable weather conditions,” Capt. Paul Eidman said.
“Offshore wind energy has the potential to provide all of this. We see the impacts of climate change on the water daily, making it essential to act now. Despite the benefits of clean energy, major polluters are fighting offshore wind projects to protect their profits at our expense. We must support sustainable energy solutions for the health of our future coastal ecosystems and the small businesses that thrive with abundant fish populations.”
